Despite the rain and overcast skies, a gentle crowd filtered by way of the evergreen rows at Smolak Farm in North Andover to pick their Christmas bushes Friday.
Gov. Charlie Baker declared the day after Thanksgiving “Green Friday” earlier within the week as a approach to encourage help for nurseries and farms and to get folks outdoors.
“I encourage everyone across Massachusetts to celebrate the start of the holiday season by purchasing holiday trees and plants from their local farms and nurseries,” mentioned Baker in a launch. “There is no better way this season to support Massachusetts farmers than by purchasing a fresh-cut tree and festive plants to decorate for the holidays.”
In addition to smelling good – and offering the fun for the hunt for the right conifer – contemporary bushes and the farms that present them make a distinction within the state’s financial system, producing about $3.5 million every year.
“Buying your Christmas tree and holiday plants and decorations from a local grower and nursery is one of the most environmentally-friendly purchases you can make this season,” mentioned Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card.
Christmas bushes are thought of a renewable useful resource, are simply recycled, and supply a helpful “crop” on land that’s usually onerous to make use of for different functions, based on the state.
“In addition to trees, these farms and nurseries provide hand-crafted wreaths, holiday plants such as poinsettias, and craft activities for children to provide residents with a truly fun holiday destination experience,” mentioned John Lebeaux, commissioner of the state’s Department of Agricultural Resources.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”